Irish Raisin Bread
4 servings

3/4	cup seedless raisins
2	cups flour
3	tablespoons sugar
1/2	teaspoon salt
1/2	teaspoon baking soda
1	package active dry yeast
1	cup buttermilk
2	tablespoons unsalted butter

Combine raisins with water to cover in a saucepan, over medium heat.  Bring to a 
boil, remove from heat, allow to cool until plumped, and drain.  Combine half 
the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and yeast-mix well.  Combine buttermilk and 
butter in a saucepan, over medium heat.  Bring just below a boil, remove from 
heat, and cool to 105-110 degrees (mixture will be curdled).  Beat into 
flour/sugar mixture, until smooth.  Add 1/4 cup flour and beat until smooth.  
Stir in raisins and enough of the remaining flour to make a soft pliable dough.  
Place into a greased bowl, turning to coat on all sides cover and allow to rise 
for 60 minutes, until doubled.  Turnout onto a lightly floured board and knead 
20-25 times.  Roll into a ball.  Place onto a greased baking sheet.  Flatten 
into an 8-inch round.  Cover and let rise for 30-60 minutes, until not quite 
doubled.  Sprinkle lightly with flour.  Cut a cross in the center.  Bake @ 375 
degrees for 35-45 minutes, until golden.  Remove from oven and cool completely.  
Serve at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving: Calories 439 - Calories from Fat 64
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 15%, Protein 9%, Carbohydrate 76%
Totals and Percent Daily Values (2000 calories): Fat 7g, Saturated Fat 4g, 
Cholesterol 18mg, Sodium 467mg, Total Carbohydrate 84g, Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars 
0g, Protein 10g, Vitamin A 240 units, Vitamin C 2 units, Calcium 0 units, Iron 2 
units
  
Copyright (c) 1997-2004 Salvatore's Kitchen.